Anyone who knows me would tell you that I am an animal lover and advocate. 11 years ago I became vegetarian and almost 2 years ago, vegan – all for the animals. And although I did my fair share of advocating for animals and donating to animal welfare organizations, I had this feeling that I could do more.
I love animals, there’s no doubt, but it’s more than love. As humans we possess cognitive abilities not seen in other animals, including the ability to reason. With that we have the ability to feel empathy for others, including animals, and can act according to our internal moral compass.
I believe society today doesn’t value empathy as much as it could. In our pursuit of the latest trends, lowest prices, and personal happiness, we have forgotten that it is ok to care for others. Society has masked the dreadful practices in mainstream consumerism making consumers unaware or detached with what it takes to get their food or product to them. If people were more aware of the conditions in puppy mills, they would adopt their next pet. If people understood how our wasteful practices are affecting the planet, they would shop more sustainable. If they saw the mistreatment of animals in the meat industry, they wouldn’t eat it. If they witnessed the exploitation of the workers that make their consumer products, they wouldn’t support those businesses. Or at least I’d like to think so.
In my search for a business model that aligned with my values, I came across the Fair Trade movement and the many businesses already taking part. These businesses uphold the fair trade principles that essentially provide a business model that is fair, ethical, and sustainable. I knew immediately this was something I wanted to be a part of.
Thus, Generous Intentions grew from an urge to do more for animals to a mission of creating a kinder world for all. Where conscious consumers who have gotten past the consumerism haze can shop for products that are ethically made and support animal welfare.
Thank you for joining me on this journey. Together we will make the world a kinder place for all.
With love,
Lorena <3
]]>We then became interested in their Paws from Paradise program. If you are a tourist coming from the US mainland, you can escort a pet from the island on your way back to a local shelter where they will have a chance of finding a forever home. What an amazing way to help, all while gaining an adorable travel companion! Unfortunately, there weren’t any shelters in our area that were part of the program, so we weren’t able to participate. That is when there was a poop emergency in one of the puppy pens and my husband was handed an escape artist puppy by a volunteer tending to the cleanup. Not even 5 minutes later he asked if we could take him home. We had planned to get a dog after getting married, but not 2 weeks after! Although very hesitant, we talked to the coordinator about the process and soon after signed the adoption papers. The shelter coordinator was also kind enough to keep our little Axel Croix at the shelter for another five days since we couldn’t bring him back to our resort. Not exactly what we had planned, but it was the best impulse decision we ever made.
Needless to say, St. Croix Animal Welfare Center holds a very special place in our hearts. That is why as we near the Generous Intention launch day, we have decided that the first animal organization we want to give back to is St. Croix Animal Welfare Center. 20% net profits from our first 3 months in business will go to this wonderful shelter. They are doing an amazing job assisting the community animals through low to zero cost vet care, humane education, foster programs, adoptions, and of course their Paws from Paradise program. We encourage you to check out their Facebook page to read and take a look at the wonderful work they are doing.
As always, thank you for joining us on this journey. Together we will make the world a kinder place for all.
With love,
Lorena <3
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